POLL: Council scraps celebrity switch on of Mablethorpe summer illuminations

Sam Kinnaird

THERE will be no celebrity switching on Mablethorpe’s summer lights this year, despite last year drawing one of the biggest crowds yet.

East Lindsey District Council will transform the event replacing the VIP showing with a live beach fireshow from Flame Oz.

Twist and Pulse with their copy of the Mablethorpe Leader

Last year over 7,000 people packed onto the seafront to see Britain’s Got Talent duo Twist and Pulse turn on the lights, as well as such luminaries as Timmy Mallett, Keith Harris and Peter Levy in the years before.

But this year the council have confirmed this will be no more as they battle to give value for money for the taxpayer and say the change will allow for even bigger crowds to be catered for.

The switch on event on July 28, will see a full day’s activities and will be preceeded by a day’s celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on June 4 including live music and theatre.

ELDC spokesman James Gilbert said: “In the past we have spent thousands of pounds of taxpayer’s money on a celebrity for a 15 minute appearance.

The fireworks

“This year, for the same budget, we’re organising two full day celebrations in partnership with MASCOT, Mablethorpe Town Council and the Town Centre Partnership.

“Last year was successful in attracting people but we think we can do better.

“The new approach provides better value for money to the taxpayers of East Lindsey and will give the town’s economy two boosts rather than one.”

Is this the right move, or will the loss of the celebrity factor see crowds dwindle? Email vour views for our letters page or comment on this story using the form below.

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